Connellsville Daily Courier, 1920

1920 - Aug. 14 - Ohiopyle, PA - In an advance story, the Uniontown Morning Herald said that "The family is largely represented in Fayette county but has also many members in the mountain section." The Daily Courier of Connellsville reported that: "Ohiopyle was the scene of a large and happy gathering Saturday when members of the Minerd family assembled for their eighth annual reunion. Rev. D.E. Minerd of Dunbar delivered the principal address of the day.  At noon an elaborate dinner was served.  The next reunion will be held on the second Saturday in August, 1921at Ohiopyle.  Among the guests present were Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Minerd of Markleton.  The former is a veteran of the Civil War and is the oldest representative of the Minerd family.  Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Freed and daughter, Miss Mary of Dunbar township; Mr. and Mrs. J.D. Minerd and Mr. and Mrs. Silas Minerd of Connellsville were also guests." Held at the Ferncliff Hotel, the reunion included a group photograph taken on the steps. Click here to see a super-enlarged version of the group photo.

1921 - August 13 - Was held at Ohiopyle, PA. In an advance story, the Uniontown Morning Herald reported that "Members of the family are located in Fayette and Somerset counties" and that Lawson Minerd was president of the reunion association. Reported the Herald, "The B. and O. train for Ohiopyle leaves Connellsville at 8:25 a.m." Two days after the reunion, the Morning Herald noted: "Members of the Minerd family from all over Fayette County were at Ohiopyle Saturday for the annual reunion. George Minerd of Lemont was a member of the committee in charge. The day was spent in sports and in talking over old times. A big dinner and supper were served."

1922 - Nothing known. A search of the Meyersdale Republican on microfilm, at the Meyersdale Public Library, did not find any reunion coverage for early August 1922 when the reunions typically were held.

1923 - August 10 - The following was published in the "Turkeyfoot News" section of the Meyersdale Republican on Aug. 16, 1923: 

The Minred [sic] family held their eleventh annual reunion in the Confluence park on Saturday. About 85 members of the family were present. This family mostly reside in Springfield Township in Fayette County and also in the Turkeyfoots and Middlecreek Townships, Somerset County. As far as the traditions of the family go, the original pioneer of this family, Jacob Minerd, came from old Virginia and settled at what is now known as Hexebarger. Jacob Minerd was the great-great grandfather of most of the younger folks present although one grandson, G.M. Younkin, was the oldest of the clan present. The day was very pleasantly spent. After dinner the business meeting of the family association took place. The president of the association, Lawman Minerd, being absent, Lloyd L. Mountain called the meeting to order and presided during the exercises. The first business was the reading of the annual report by Joseph Ream, secretary of the association. It was decided to hold the next annual reunion on the second Saturday in August, at Confluence. The officers of last year were reelected, viz: Lawson Minerd, president; J.W. Luckey and Daniel Younkin, committee on reunion, and Joseph Ream, secretary. A lot of routine business in relation to badges and other details was transacted. J.R. Minerd of Connellsville, made a fine address. The meeting was closed with singing, "God be with us till We Meet Again."

Meyersdale Republican, 1924

1924 - August 9 - The following was reported by the Meyersdale Republican as the lead article in the "Turkeyfoot News" section of the newspaper on Aug. 14. 1924: 

A very successful and pleasant reunion of the Minard family was held in what is known locally as Lincoln's grove, near the Western Maryland Railroad Station, August 9th. Eighty-two persons were present, most of them being members of the Minar [sic] family and their connections. The family is a numerous one in Western Pennsylvania, especially in Fayette, Somerset, Westmoreland and Huntingdon Counties. The gathering on Saturday was their twelfth annual reunion. Among those present were Mrs. Josie Burkholder of Bartow, Florida, and Mrs. E.A. Taft of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Both ladies left for their respective homes on Sunday. A fine picnic dinner was partaken of at 12:30 p.m., after L.L. Mountain invoked a blessing. Those present were Mrs. Ida Minard, W.S. Burzard and family, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Rugg and Christine Rugg, Mill Run; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gorsage, Charles Gorsage, Mr. and Mrs. Carl Gorsage, David Younkin and daughter, Mrs. F.P. Peck and son, Loren, Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Harbaugh and Mrs. Martha Gorsage, Rockwood; Mrs. Allen Overholt, Greensburg; Mrs. C.M. Hutton, Star Junction; Mrs. Hester Williams, Uniontown; Mrs. M.M. Collins, Morgantown, W.Va.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Minard, Mrs. Rosetta Minard, Mrs. L.A. Hall, Markleton; J.R. Nottingham, Latrobe; Mr. and Mrs. F.G. Williams, Mount Union, Pa.; Mrs. E.A. Taft, Glenwood Springs, Col; Mrs. Josie Burkholder, Bartow, Fla.; Mr. and Mrs. George Lucky, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Minard, Connellsville; Mrs. J.M. Lucky, Miss Martha Lucky, Miss Mary Lucky, Dawson; Victor Minard and Miss Evanel Minard, Scullton; Mrs. Minnie Hyatt and daughter, Gladys, Ohiopyle; L.C. Williams, Somerset; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Minard, Mrs. J.W. Burkholder, Mrs. Lloyd Hyatt and three children, Joseph Ream and family, Mrs. Bertha Conn, Adam Nicolson, L.L. Mountain, Mrs. Howard McClintock, Mrs. Mayme Harbaugh, Mrs. M.S. Tarney, Miss Bertha Conn, and David Cronin, Confluence.

Researcher's note -- the following attendees of the 1924 reunion are presumed to have been friends of the family: 

• Lloyd L. Mountain of Confluence, PA -- presumably Dr. Lloyd L. Mountain (1874-1963) a Confluence pharmacist who retired to Florida in 1938, died in June 1963 in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, FL and whose remains were returned for burial to Addison Cemetery near Confluence.

• Mrs. C.M. Hutton of Star Junction, PA -- was she Susan (Burkett) Hutton (1875-1958), wife of Charles M. Hutton (1882-1940), who resided in Perry Township, Fayette County in 1920?

• Mrs. M.M. Collins of Morgantown, WV -- 

• J.R. Nottingham of Latrobe, PA -- 

• Mrs. E.A. Taft of Glenwood Springs, CO -- was Effie Alma (Cramer) Taft (1866-1968), daughter of Illinois pioneers Capt. Henry P.W. and Jane Anne (Dean) Cramer of Mendon, Adams County, IL, and the granddaughter of Christian Cramer of Somerset County, PA. She may have been in town visiting her cousin Nora (Cramer) Harbaugh and husband Amos, who also attended the reunion.

• Mrs. Howard McClintock of Confluence, PA -- was she Nora (Weyant) McClintock, wife of Howard McClintock of Confluence?

• Mrs. M.S. Tarney of Confluence, PA -- was she "Hannah," wife of Marshal S. Turney of Confluence, whose parents were Isaiah and Rebecca (Whipkey) Miller?

• Aaron Rugg (1845-1932) was a Civil War veteran who was married to Caroline Linderman and resided in Maple Summit, Fayette County.

• Adam Nicholson (1840-1934) was a Civil War veteran who lived in Confluence.

• Levi Calvin "L.C." Williams was a younger brother of Amanda (Williams) Miner and Martha (Williams) Nicolay.

• David Cronin was the Turkeyfoot news bureau manager for the Meyersdale Republican.

1925 - August 8 - The reunion received advance publicity in the Aug. 6 edition of the weekly Meyersdale Republican, stating: "The Minerd family, a large portion of whom reside in Fayette County, will hold their annual reunion in Confluence on Saturday, August 8th." The following week, on Aug. 13, in the "Confluence Chat" section of its "Turkeyfoot News" column, the Republican reported the following: 

The Minerd family of Somerset and Fayette counties held their annual reunion on Saturday, August 8, at Sellers' hall; 120 members of the different branches of the family were present. Dinner was served from 12 to 1 o'clock. After dinner, at the business meeting, Lawson Minerd was elected President of the Association. Joseph Ream, Confluence, Secretary-Treasurer; Fred Minerd, Ross Hyatt, L.L. Mountain, Daniel Younkin and J.L. Luckey, executive committee. Rev. Joyce gave an address portraying the benefits of family reunions and showing why they should be held. Burgess C.R. McMillan gave a recitation and Rev. Williams of Connellsville made an interesting address.

1926 - August 14 - The Aug. 12, 1926 edition of the Meyersdale Republican reported: "The Minerd family re-union will be held in the Confluence Park on Saturday, August 14th.

1920s - A reunion was held at Johnson's Chapel near Confluence, Somerset County. Among the attendees was the family of Joseph and Sadie (Minerd) Luckey and their children, who drove from their home in Dawson, Fayette County. The Luckeys became lost in the country on the mountain roads but finally arrived at the destination before it was too late.

1920 news story

1927 - August 13 - Confluence Park, Confluence, PA -- The Aug. 4, 1927 edition of the Meyersdale Republican reported that "The use of the park was granted the Miner-Minerd family to hold their family reunion at some time in the near future." A week later, the Republican added that "The annual reunion of the Miner-Minerd family will take place in the city park, Confluence, on Saturday, August 13." After the event occurred, another local newspaper (likely from Connellsville), in a headlined article reading "Minerd Reunion," said that "The fifteenth annual reunion of the Minerd family was held on Saturday at Confluence. There were eighty members of the family attending. The gathering this year was quite small, but all who attended reported having a fine time. During the day interesting talks were given by Lawson Minerd,John Minerd and Frank Zearfoss. Old memories were recalled and acquaintances renewed. The organization elected Lawson Minerd of Mill run, president for another year. Mrs. Ernest E. Minerd of Youngwood is the secretary and the treasurer is Ernest E. Minerd. A committee on arrangements to prepare for the reunion in 1928 includes Frank Zearfoss, Rockwood, Richard Gorsuch, Rockwood and Larrie Hall of Somerset. The next reunion will be held on the second Saturday of August, 1928. The Meyersdale article was the first known use of the combined "Minerd-Miner" names in newspaper publicity.

Huntingdon Daily News, Aug. 15, 1929

1928 - August 11 - Confluence, PA - The Aug. 9, 1928 edition of the Meyersdale Republic reported that at a Confluence Borough Council meeting, "Permission was granted the Minerd family to hold their annual reunion on the confluence park on Saturday, August 11." Committee on arrangements: Frank Zearfoss, Richard Gorsuch and Larrie Hall. A local newspaper reported that the reunion was "well attended and all report a very enjoyable time." 

1929 - Confluence, PA - The family of Charles J. and Laura Jane (Minerd) Williams and their sons are known to have traveled to the reunion from Allenport, Huntingdon County, PA. An article in the Huntingdon Daily News (Aug. 15, 1929) states: "T.B. Cramer and Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Williams and sons Edward and Andrew has returned home from a motor trip. While away they attended the Minerd reunion at Confluence, Somerset County, on Saturday. Among other towns visited were Somerset, Ohiopyle, Connellsville and Uniontown, Pa., and Cumberland, Md. They report a very fine time."

Connellsville Courier, 1930

1930 - Aug. 9 - Shady Grove Park, Uniontown, PA - Elected leaders: Arnold Overholt, president; Ernest E. Minerd, secretary; Mary Adaline (Luckey) Malone and Frank Zearfoss, general committee; Bess (Minerd) Lemon, speakers committee; Dr. Paul David Luckey, sports committee; Edith (Erwin) Minerd, invitation committee; Andrew Luckey, refreshment committee; Frank Woodmancy, publicity committee; and Dr. Harold "Daniel" Minerd, transportation committee. The Connellsville Daily Courier and Somerset Daily American each ran articles ahead of time, reading:

The 16th annual reunion of the Minerd family will be held Saturday, August 9, at Shady Grove Park. The reunion is expected to be the largest the clan has ever held. The general committee is planning an excellent program of entertainment. The park has ample shelter, free parking space and free circus acts. Members of the family, its connections and their friends are invited to pack a basket and spend the day at the park renewing acquaintances and friendships. The committee will serve free coffee and lemonade.

 

Shady Grove Park near Uniontown site of the 1930 Minerd Reunion, the same day as the picnic of the West Penn Power Company employees.

Huntingdon Daily News, Aug. 14, 1929

The Huntingdon (PA) Daily News (Aug. 14, 1930) and Mount Union (PA) Times (Aug. 15) each published a lengthy account of the reunion, authored by Laura Jane (Minerd) Williams who traveled with her husband sons and their friends to the event. Despite a number of misspelled names and a few duplications, it is a remarkable piece of data collection which exists nowhere else, and shows that many diverse branches of the Minerd-Miner family knew of their connections and attended the year's affair: 

Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Williams left Saturday morning at two o'clock with a merry crowd to attend the Minerd reunion at Shady Grove Park near Uniontown, Fayette county. Mr. Williams wishing to take a number of his young friends along converted his Chevrolet truck into a bus. Those going with him were: Miss Anna Stottelmyer of Sylvan, Pa., a friend of Mrs. Williams, Messrs. T.B. Cramer, Clinton Cramer, Fred Hawkins, Ford Buckley, Raymond McClain, Glenn McClain, Edward Williams and Andrew Williams. All enjoyed a wonderful trip. Clinton Cramer and Glenn McClain, two of the Allenport orchestra, had their guitars with them, giving many fine selections of music throughout the whole trip. They furnished the music accompanied by the other boys in singing for the reunion. A large number attended, some from Maryland, West Virginia and Iowa attended. Among the number were Rev. and Mrs. D.E. Minerd, Mrs. Martha [Bertha] VanDyke, Mrs. Emma Trout, Mrs. Hannah [Anna] B. Hower, Mrs. W.N. Collins, Mrs. Ruth Wooster and daughter Nancy, Mr. and Mrs. Russell Brooks, Mrs. Lloyd Miller and daughters Arlene [Aileen] and Freda, Mr. and Mrs. F.R. Zearfoss and sons Bert and Robert, Mrs. Martha Gorsuch, Mr. A.B. Mastolla, Mr. O.F.M. Nicolay, Miss Awilda Nicolay, Miss Christian Nicolay, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Moon, L.C. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Homer Kerns and sons John, Homer and Rayburn and daughter Nettie, Mr. and Mrs. Lawson H. Minerd, Mrs. Jennie Woodmency, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Luckey, Mr. and Mrs. George Luckey and daughter Janet, Mrs. Paul Luckey and son, Andrew Luckey, Miss Mary Luckey, Miss Ruth Luckey, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Bailey, Miss Grace Strickler, Mrs. Ernest Wingrove, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Overholt and children Hazel, Ethel, Dorothy, Brave [Grace], Brinton and Harry, Mrs. Allie Overholt, Mr. G.B.M. Erwin, Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Minerd and sons Earl and Milton, Mrs. Ira Crawford and son Rasily, daughter Evelyn June, Mrs. Nettie Rossomme and children Junior and Olive Jean, Mrs. Evelyn Augustine, Mr. and Mrs. Bowman Masters, Ralph and Harold Williams, Mrs. Hester Williams, Mrs. Maude Groff, Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Williams, Miss Anna Stottelmyer, Ford Buckley, Clinton Cramer, T.B. Cramer, Fred Hawkins, Raymond McClain, Glenn McClain, Edward Williams, Andrew Williams, Mrs. W.N. Collins, Mrs. Ruth Wooster and daughter Nancy. There was quite a number more present but the writer was unable to get their names, owing to it being the Annual West Penn Picnic day and spending part of the time with them.

[Researcher's note: We are trying to determine which of the 1930 reunion guests were family or friend. For instance, Oliver Frank May Nicolay and his daughters Awilda Nicolay, Christian Nicolay and Mrs. Charles Moon were friends of the family. Mrs. Ernest Wingrove was an in-law, the sister of Mrs. George Luckey.]

Shady Grove Park near Uniontown, site of the 1930 Minerd Reunion

1931 - Aug. 8 - Scottdale, Westmoreland County, PA - Planned for Lake Forest Park, with advance newspaper coverage in the Mt. Pleasant Journal, Connellsville Daily Courier and the Uniontown News Standard. Said the Courier, "It will be an all-day affair with transportation provided from the West Penn Railways station and Pennsylvania Railroad station, Scottdale, to the park between the hours of 10:30 and 11:30 o'clock in the morning. All relatives and friends are invited." Nothing more known.

1932 - Aug. 13 - Lake Forest Park, Scottdale, Westmoreland County, PA - Laura Jane (Minerd) Williams, of Allenport, Huntingdon County, PA, wrote the following account which was published in the Allenport section of the Huntingdon Daily News (Aug. 17, 1932):

Above: Lake Forest Park near Scottdale, site of the 1931-1932 reunions. Below: newspaper articles promoting the 1931 reunion.

ALLENPORT

      A number left early Saturday morning for Lake Forest Park near Scottdale, Westmoreland county, to attend the annual Minerd reunion. The party consisted of Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Williams and sons Edward and Andrew, Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Williams, Glenn McClain, and Florence Gifford. They were accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. William Hollenbaugh, of Mount Union, who spent the week-end with their son, Professor George Hollenbaugh, at Scottdale. The others of the party spent Saturday at the park, and then accompanied Mrs. C.J. Williams' uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Luckey, to their fine farm home and had an enjoyable visit with them until Monday. They had the additional pleasure of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Roy Nicolay, of Uniontown. Mr. Nicolay and Mrs. Williams were schoolmates 43 years ago, when both attended the school taught by Mr. Nicolay's father. The meeting brought pleasant memories of school days to both. 
      Among those who attended the reunion were: Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Luckey, Mr. George Luckey, and daughter Janet, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Bailey, Andrew Luckey, Miss Awilda Nicolay, Mrs. Emma Fowler, Martha Jane Moon, Levi Williams, Grant Minerd, Mr. and Mrs. C.J. Williams and sons, Edward and Andrew, Mrs. C.H. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Overholt, Hazel, Ethel, Brinton, Martha, Harry and Grace Overholt, Florence Gifford, Glenn McClain, John Minerd, E.E. Minerd and sons Earl and Milton, Daniel Youngkin, C.S. Freed, Sarah E. Freed, Mrs. W.A. Freed and children, Mildred Jane, Helen, James and Eugene, Mr. and Mrs. J.T. Means, Miss Esther Means, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Shafer, Mrs. Hester Williams, Mrs. Bena McGregor, Ethel Williams, Blanche Henry, Mr. Clell Erwin and son Lester, Mr. and Mrs. George Johnson. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fine fellowship that existed among all the reunionists and the innumerable baskets that provided dinner and supper for the party were bottomless. 
      The party was accompanied home by Mrs. A.M. Overholt and her two granddaughters, Hazel and Ethel, who will spend their vacation here before they resume school this fall.

~ Henry and Elizabeth Yonkon Miner Reunion (1928-1931) ~

Washington (PA) and Wheeling (WV) Parks, site of the Henry Miner Reunions

Several of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Henry and Mary "Polly" (Younkin) Miner came together in 1928 to organize a reunion of descendants living in the tri-state area of southwestern Pennsylvania, the northern panhandle of West Virginia and eastern Ohio. Erroneously billed at first as a gathering of offspring of "William Henry and Elizabeth Yonkon Miner," they were held for four years, from 1928 through 1931.

The principal, original organizers were William R. Bedillion, Golie Cephas Bedillion, Rebecca (Birch) McElfish and William Allen Miner. In announcing the first reunion, the Washington Reporter said that "Members of this family connection are distributed pretty well over the southwest part of the state, and an effort is to be made to form a family organization and make the reunion a regular event. Heretofore family meetings have been held at Confluence, in Somerset county. Mrs. J.A. McElfish, of 46 Seminole avenue, is actively pushing the reunion meeting this year, and she urges every person who is connected in any way with this family group to attend this meeting and help effect a formal organization. Several families, resident in Greene county, are of the Miner descent, and their presence is desired on this occasion."

View the archive of this reunion.

~ McDowell-Miner Reunion (1928-1930) ~

1928 - Aug. 29 - Haddenville, Fayette County, PA - "There was no set program, the older folks spending the time talking over old times while the younger folks played games and romped in the orchard.  At noon dinner was served on picnic tables under the grape arbor, covers being laid for forty persons."

1929 - Connellsville, PA - Held at Hillcrest Park.  Committee members appointed included Grant Ulysses Miner and William G. Miner. John Ross Miner was named treasurer.

1930 – Aug. - Connellsville, PA - Elected officers:  John Ross Miner, treasurer, and William G. Miner and Grant U. Miner, program committee.  Held at Hillcrest Park near Connellsville.  Attendance was 100.

View the newspaper clipping archive of this reunion.   

Hillcrest Roller Rink, outside and in, Connellsville

Early 1900s

~ Minard Reunion - Mt. Vernon, Ohio ~

1890s-1900s – Mount Vernon, Knox County, OH -- Francis D. "Frank" Minard was president, more than likely elected at some time during the late 1890s. 

A yellowed newspaper clipping from a Mt. Vernon newspaper shows that the reunion lasted at least for eight years, and likely more. As this reunion clearly pre-dates the first annual Minerd reunion in Western Pennsylvania, it is the first organized reunion known in the family, and more research is being done to learn more about its origins. The newspaper article from the eighth reunion states:

     Members of the Minard family held their eighth annual reunion Saturday afternoon at South park. Approximately 75 relatives were present, from Columbus, Mansfield, Mount Vernon, Johnsville, Cardington, Butler, Ashland, Danville and Howard.

     Following the picnic lunch which was served at noon, short speeches were made by Rev. E.H. Woodworth and Rev. H.F. Truxall.
     The officers for next year include F.E. Minard, of Butler, president; Samuel Clark, Sr., of Mount Vernon, vice president; Miss Hazel Minard, of Butler, secretary-treasurer; and Mrs. and Mrs. Samuel Clark Sr., Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Clark Jr. and Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Minard, of Mount Vernon, entertainment committee. The reunion next year will be held at Riverside Park, Mount Vernon.

~ Harbaugh Reunions (1926-Present) ~

~ National Younkin Home-Coming Reunions ~